St Ninian’s TT ‘Foodie Village’ could be ‘reformatted’ after event turned down by planners

Plans to hold a food and drinks festival during this year’s Isle of Man TT have been rejected by planners.

The Manx Food Market Traders’ Association had hoped to host the event, featuring stalls and food trucks offering breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as live music and entertainment.

A marquee area with seating, a stage area and a pop-up fine dining venue inside St Ninian’s church itself had also formed part of the plans.

The association had wanted to run the event from May 27 to June 8 as part of a ‘celebration of Manx produce and hospitality’ during the TT fortnight.

However, the scheme was unanimously rejected by members of the Isle of Man Government’s planning committee despite the festival being recommended for approval by the planning officer.

Among their concerns was the impact the event would have on residents living near the church as well as traffic and the fact there were to be similar facilities at the official Isle of Man TT Grandstand.

Chairman of the Manx Food Market Traders’ Association said the group was now working with the Department of Enterprise and looking at ways to ‘reformat and restructure’ the event.

In its objection, the Department for Enterprise (DfE) said it had plans in place to direct traffic away from the area during TT fortnight following previous complaints from residents.

The department said, however, it had ‘some concerns that additional traffic trying to get to this location may add to the pressures in this area.’

‘If this event was in the city centre we would have no hesitation in recommending support as we have done in the past,’ a spokesperson for the DfE added.

‘However, the department is happy to work with the organisers to find an alternative site.’